If you have heard or seen someone from Planet Ark interviewed on the radio, television or in print media in the last decade - there's a good chance it was Brad Gray, who was our Head of Campaigns until recently. 

You may have seen Brad recently discussing recycling with Craig Reucassel on the ABC's War On Waste. This was Brad's last TV interview and has hopefully left a mark on the way people understand and carry out recycling.

Brad started at Planet Ark in 2007 as the Recycling Programs Manager after many years in health communication at the Aids Council of New South Wales (ACON). He brought with him many ideas for positive behaviour change, a focus on positive messaging and using science to inform decision-making. He soon became the Head of Campaigns and helped Planet Ark shift its focus from media and promotions to positive actions that anyone can take to help the environment.

The Science of Behaviour Change

Another great asset Brad helped drive at Planet Ark was a focus on research, with all our campaigns now tied to research reports and studies highlighting the significant benefits the environment has on our lives as well as the natural world. Last year's National Tree Day report on the positive health effects impacts nature has on people's lives has been quoted widely.

Brain science and the best implementation of positive behaviour change was another area Brad helped spearhead and has led to some of the most effective messages coming from Planet Ark today. He recently opened the National Waste Conference in Coffs Harbour with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and normalising good behaviours.

Staying Positive

Another one of Brad's legacies is Positive Environment News – an adaptation of the "World Environment News" Planet Ark had been publishing for almost 20 years. Brad pointed out that many of the stories were natural disasters that the general public couldn't do anything about – and it was time to stop the doom and gloom and focus on what people could do. Now you can get a slice of good news tied to positive actions in your inbox. Please sign up for some Positive Environment News in your inbox fortnightly.

The organisation now follows simple rules thanks to Brad's input in how we communicate – namely, what action can people take to make change in their day-to-day lives and is it positive? Be it at work, school or at home – we strive to find things everyone can do to make an impact.

Planet Ark is about positive environmental actions, for everyone.

Rebecca Gilling Interim Head of Campaigns

Rebecca Gilling, another familiar face to our Supporters, has taken over Brad's duties during the transition phase. Rebecca has been with Planet Ark for many years and has been the face of many campaigns, as well as developing much of the Audio/Visual material. Rebecca brings a wealth of HR, Environmental Management and Public Relations experience to the role.

Brad Gray continues his career in waste education at Canterbury Bankstown Council.

We wish Brad all the best in his new role and look forward to continuing our work together in the recycling space!